Golfsmith tees off in NYC’s Fifth Ave.

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NEW YORK — Golfsmith International plans to open its first specialty golf store on New York City’s Fifth Avenue. By positioning its interactive store in the heart of the Big Apple, Golfsmith will reach both New York area golfers as well as tourists visiting the city from around the world.

To mark the store opening, the golf retailer has scheduled a number of activities from Friday, June 7 through Sunday, June 9, including $50,000 in cash giveaways, golf clinics from instructor Hank Haney and more than $7,500 in prizes.

Customers can test products at the two-story, 15,000-sq.-ft. store before they buy. The store is outfitted with three state-of-the-art club fitting studios with simulators that enable customers to test drive the latest equipment with the same technology used to fit tour pros. The store also has an indoor putting green and technology bar with GPS units, range finders and a variety of high-tech gadgets.

"This big and beautiful new location is unlike any other store in New York City — enabling consumers to try the latest golf equipment and gear right in the heart of one of the city's most sought-after neighborhoods. It's an entirely unique shopping experience," said president and CEO Sue Gove.

On Friday, the first 200 people through the doors will receive a free pack of premium golf balls. Doors open 8 a.m. ESPN's Ryen Russillo will greet customers and host a putting contest from 8-11 a.m. Instructor Hank Haney will conduct a full swing clinic from 11:05 a.m.-1:45 p.m., a short game clinic from 12:05-12:45 p.m. and an autograph session from 12:50-2 p.m. TaylorMade's Cash-for-Yards Challenge, to be held from 2-8 p.m., will allow participants to hit one ball with the Burner 2.0 and then a second ball with the RBZ Stage 2. For every yard improved with the RBZ stage 2, participants will receive $10 with a maximum payout of $100. Three putting contests will be held at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and winners will receive gift cards.

On Saturday, consumers will have a chance to qualify for a $25,000 Hole-in-One Challenge and participate in a closest-to-the-pin contest in the simulator all day long. The top 12 scores are invited back Sunday for one try at a virtual hole in one that, if made, will pay out $25,000. The retailer will also hold a drawing at 3 p.m. for a $1,000 Golfsmith shopping spree. Consumers can register all day but must be present to win.

On Sunday, the first 60 customers in line will receive free gifts. The retailer will hold putting contests at noon and 4 p.m. And at 2 p.m., the 12 closest-to-the-pin finalists from Saturday will return to the store to compete in the $25,000 Hole-in-One Contest Finale.